2004 Mazda 3 vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 2,987 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (221 HP @ 3800 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 480 kg more than 2004 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Mercedes-Benz C is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2006 Mercedes-Benz C. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 3, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (510 Nm) has 280 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda 3. (230 Nm). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda 3. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has automatic transmission and 2004 Mazda 3 has manual transmission. 2004 Mazda 3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Mazda 3 | 2006 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Mazda | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | 3 | C |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1595 cc | 2987 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 221 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 510 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 75 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 88.3 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.3:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 185 km/hour | 241 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11.3 seconds | 7.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1240 kg | 1720 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2890 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5 L/100km | 7.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
